HC Deb 22 March 1972 vol 833 cc1497-8
33. Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what time limit he has imposed on the ban of demonstrations about the problems of Northern Ireland being held in Trafalgar Square; and if he will make a statement;

(2) how many demonstrations on the problems of Northern Ireland have been held in Trafalgar Square since August. 1969; and how many such demonstrations have ended in violence.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)

There have been no reports of violence connected with any of the 11 occasions on which Trafalgar Square has been used for meetings on Irish matters since August, 1969.

My right hon. Friend has, however, decided, with the advice of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, that in view of the situation in Northern Ireland and the recent incident at Aldershot it would be wrong for the Government to grant permission for further meetings in the Square for the time being. The situation will be kept under review by my Department, in conjunction with the Home Office.

Mr. Stallard

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that freedom of speech and assembly, and the use of public facilities, are fundamental rights of civil liberties in this country? Does he accept that great care must be exercised by those with responsibility for banning peaceful demonstrations lest disorder be encouraged by what would appear to be unfair and unjust discrimination? May we have a fuller explanation, with as much proof as possible, about the reason why these demonstrations and marches have been banned? Does the Minister think that aggrieved applicants in these cases should have a right of appeal?

Mr. Channon

No, Sir; I do not feel that any right of appeal arises. I agree with what the hon. Gentleman said about the need for care and the liberal application of the rules in relation to meetings in Trafalgar Square. These are highly exceptional times in Ireland, and in the very exceptional situation that applies now I feel that my right hon. Friend was right to ban these meetings.